A Closer Look at 5 Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Hallux Rigidus

How many steps do you take in the course of a year?

At a conservative estimate of 5,000 steps a day, it’s about 1.8 million steps a year. Double it if you’re active, and you’re looking at 3.6 million steps a year.

With every one of those steps, your toe joints hit the ground with the weight of your body pressing on them. Over time, this wear and tear can cause the bones and soft tissue in your toes to shift.

The result is hallux rigidus, a condition that causes pain and stiffness in your big toe. It’s a form of arthritis that makes it difficult to move the toe or bear any weight on it.

Symptoms of hallux rigidus also include swelling, bunions, and calluses on your toe. As the condition progresses, your toe may even become bent out of its natural position. 

Other factors can contribute to the condition, including a traumatic injury, underlying health problems, inflammatory diseases, and genetics.

At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, we treat hallux rigidus conservatively at first to avoid surgery. Here’s a closer look at five nonsurgical treatment options.

Switch your shoes

Wearing the right shoes is critical to slowing the progression of hallux rigidus. Look for shoes with a roomy toe box to relieve the pressure on your toe joint that can result from crowded toes. Stiff soles also help relieve pain, and women should avoid wearing high heels.

Limit your toe movement

Keeping your toes from moving too much can be an effective treatment. You can achieve this by modifying your activities. Avoid high-impact sports — try cycling instead of running, for instance. You can also limit toe movement by adding pads to support your toes.

Take medications

Steroid injections into your joint can relieve pain, but the effect is temporary, wearing off in a few months. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can also help reduce your pain for a short period of time.

Soak your feet

Soaking your feet in a contrast bath (hot water for 30 seconds, cold water for 30 seconds) can help reduce inflammation. Do that for about five minutes, ending with the cold water, up to three times a day.

Stretch and ice

Stretching your calves as part of your daily routine can help reduce pressure on the balls of your feet, which relieves any pressure and pain in your toe joint. Applying ice packs to your toes can also help relieve symptoms (wrap the ice in a thin towel before placing it on your skin).

To see if you have hallux rigidus or to start treatment, schedule an appointment with our expert team at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. Call our Austin or Bee Cave, Texas, office or request your appointment online today.